"Interestingly, the study findings suggest that even among scientists who work for the same company, knowledge is not always shared freely. Instead, a potential knowledge source's assessment of a knowledge seeker's reputation affected whether or not information was offered."

A few other key findings from the research: R&D workers, on the whole, remember prior knowledge exchanges, and those perceived as having taken more than given are less likely to receive information. And, when it comes to knowledge-sharing with a coworker, scientists are most likely to share know-how that is unique and important.